Quick kimchi noodles

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A store-cupboard dinner in about 15 minutes. Use ripe kimchi for the deepest flavour.

Quick kimchi noodles

A fast, spicy store-cupboard noodle dish built on kimchi and gochujang.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Korean

Calories: 481

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 200 g noodles
• 150 g kimchi, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Method

 

1. Cook the noodles to packet instructions, then drain.
2. Heat the oil and fry the kimchi for two minutes.
3. Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce and kimchi juice.
4. Add the noodles and toss to coat, then finish with sesame oil and spring onion.

Notes

Nutrition figures are an estimate worked out from the ingredient list. Values will shift with brands, cuts and how much frying oil is taken up.

Why this recipe works

Ripe, sour kimchi is the engine of this dish. It fries in the oil and the acidity caramelises into a depth that fresh kimchi cannot match. The kimchi juice is the secret seasoning.

Tips for the best kimchi noodles

• Use kimchi that has been in the fridge for at least a week. The older and more sour it is, the better the flavour.
• Do not discard the kimchi juice. It is the most concentrated flavour in the jar.
• Keep the heat high when frying the kimchi so it caramelises rather than stews.
• Taste before adding extra soy. Kimchi and gochujang are both salty already.

Swaps and variations

• Add an egg: crack one in to the pan at the end and stir it through for extra richness.
• Vegan: this recipe is already vegan if your kimchi is vegan-friendly.
• Extra protein: add tofu, edamame or leftover cooked chicken.

Make ahead and storage

Best eaten fresh, as noodles continue to absorb the sauce and soften. The sauce itself keeps for two days in the fridge. Cook fresh noodles and toss with the reheated sauce.

What to serve with kimchi noodles

A fried egg on top is the classic move. Also good alongside some sesame cucumber or a simple bowl of miso soup.

Frequently asked questions

What noodles are best for kimchi noodles?

Any quick-cooking noodle works: instant ramen, rice noodles, udon or thin egg noodles. See our where to buy rice noodles guide.

Is kimchi noodles very spicy?

It depends on your kimchi and how much gochujang you use. Start with one tablespoon of gochujang and add more to taste.

Where can I buy kimchi in the UK?

See our full where to buy kimchi in the UK guide.

Read next

Where to buyWhere to buy kimchi in the UKWhere to buyWhere to buy rice noodles in the UK

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• Kimchi. Ready made, use straight from the jar.
• Instant ramen noodles. The base of the dish.